Lawyers volunteer to participate in trial of erring judges

LAGOS—THE League of Patriotic Lawyers has said it would participate in the trial of alleged corrupt judges, noting that there was no law that stopped any relevant law enforcement agency from arresting suspected erring judges.

It also demanded a quick, fair and transparent trial, adding that judges could be sanctioned where there is a manifest breach of their sacred duties.

Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Lagos, President of the League, Mallam Abubakar Yesufu argued that some sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 gave strength to the Department of State Service, DSS, to execute a warrant anytime.

His words: ‘’The League of Patriotic Lawyers has called for caution in the ongoing face-off between the Department of State Service and the Judges. The war on corruption must be fought and has always been fought within the limits of the law. Judges are not above the law and could be sanctioned where there is a manifest breach of their sacred duties.

“The cesspool of corruption that has bedevilled the hallowed chambers of justice needs a surgical operation to redeem if that arm of government is to be taken seriously. Without trying to prejudice the trial, the league is throwing its weight behind the security agency. The arrest is bold and courageous. The League admonishes them to ensure a quick, fair and transparent trial.”

‘’The league promises to participate in the trial and admonishes that the innocent must be set free and the guilty punished without fear of favour. On the method and time of arrest, the combined effects of Section 121 – 4 and Section 148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 gives strength to the agency to execute a warrant anytime.”